PICDEM Lab Development Kit for PIC Microcontrollers - Microchip

Microchip’s new PICDEM Lab Development Kit is an entry-level development platform to build applications using Microchip’s 8-bit Flash PIC microcontrollers (8-, 14-, 18- and 20-pin). This development kit is targeted to students, educators and new comers to PIC microcontroller. PICDEM Lab Development Kit includes a development board containing five popular 8-bit PIC microcontrollers; a PICkit 2 Debugger/Programmer; some discrete components; application examples; and documentations.

Microchip’s PICDEM Lab Development Kit

A breadboard prototyping area included in PICDEM Lab Development Kit helps user to explore the application examples without any soldering. Expansion headers provide complete access/connectivity to all microcontroller pins and mounted components on the PICDEM Lab development board. Code examples are written in C language which can be compiled using the free HI-TECH C Compiler. Alternatively, a free version of Matrix Multimedia’s Flowcode V3 Visual Programming Environment (VPE) which provides a flowchart-based method for developing embedded applications, is expected to be available in late March 2009.

Microchip’s PICDEM Lab Development Kit contains:

• PICDEM Lab Development Board
• PICkit 2 Programmer/Debugger with USB Cable
• Five 8-bit PIC microcontrollers:
  • PIC12F615-I/P (8-pin PDIP)
  • PIC10F206-I/P (8-pin PDIP)
  • PIC16F616-I/P (14-pin PDIP)
  • PIC16F88-I/P (18-pin PDIP)
  • PIC16F690-I/P (20-pin PDIP)
• Other components including MOSFET (driver), NTC Thermistor, LEDs, diodes, resistors, potentiometer, capacitors, push button switch, jumper wires.
• Free HI-TECH C compiler
• Free Flowcode V3
• CD containing comprehensive user’s guide, labs and application examples

Layout of PICDEM Lab Development Board

Microchip’s PICDEM Lab Development Board - Layout

Description:

• (1). PICkit 2 Programmer/Debugger Connection Headers
• (2). PICkit Serial Analyzer Connection Header and Receptacle
• (3). 32 kHz Crystal Oscillator and Connection Header
• (4). VDD Connect/Disconnect Jumpers
• (5). Battery Clip Connection for 9V Battery
• (6). 9 VDC Supply Connector
• (7). Power ON Switch
• (8). 8-Pin PDIP PIC10F microcontroller Socket and Expansion Headers
• (9). 5V Brushed DC Motor
• (10). 18-Pin PDIP PIC microcontroller Socket and Expansion Headers
• (11). 8, 14, 20-Pin PDIP PIC microcontroller Socket (U2) and Expansion Headers
• (12). Breadboard solderless prototyping area
• (13). Headersto to provide power to prototyping area
• (14). Speaker (0.2 Watt, 8-Ohm) and Connection Header
• (15). Battery Connection Header
• (16). Potentiometer used to vary PIC microcontroller supply voltage (1.3V - 5V)

More detailed description can be found in Microchip’s PICDEM Lab Development Board User’s Guide.

Connecting the PICkit 2 Programmer/Debugger

The three PIC microcontrollers populating sockets ( (8), (10), (11) ) have their own PICkit Programmer/Debugger (ICSP) connectors so that each can be programmed or debugged individually. Connection between PICDEM Lab Development Board and PICkit Programmer/Debugger is shown in following picture:

Connecting PICkit 2 Programmer/Debugger

The PICkit 2 Programmer/Debugger is then connected to PC’s USB port via the included USB cable.

Microchip PICDEM Lab Development Kit (part number DM163035) is available today for $124.99

Resources:

• Press release: Microchip Technology Unveils PICDEM Lab Development Kit (_http://www.microchip.com/stellent/idcplg?IdcService=SS_GET_PAGE&nodeId=2018&mcparam=en540242)
• PICDEM Lab Development Kit (_http://www.microchip.com/stellent/idcplg?IdcService=SS_GET_PAGE&nodeId=1406&dDocName=en539716&redirects=picdemlab)
• PICDEM Lab Development Kit User’s Guide (HI-TECH version) pdf, 1.7MB (_http://www.microchip.com/Microchip.WWW.SecureSoftwareList/secsoftwaredownload.aspx?device=en539716&lang=en&ReturnURL=http://www.microchip.com/stellent/idcplg?IdcService=SS_GET_PAGE&nodeId=1406&dDocName=en539716&redirects=picdemlab#)